Best Letter-Page Shout-Outs

Based in Vallejo, California, Murder Dog (available locally at Streetside Records and Recycled Sounds) devotes a jaw-dropping amount of space to the Kansas City scene. In one issue alone, the glossy mag covered Court Dog, Vell Bakardy, S to the B, Big Bear, Hobo Tone, Lejo, Romeo Ryonell, Princess Diamonds and Young Kev. It's also the best place to catch up on the ongoing Rogue Dog Villians/Tech N9ne beef. Even local readers get into the act by popping up on the one-of-a-kind letters page, which provides plenty of space for radio-style shout-outs. "My homies Squirrel, Jordan, Pimp C ... ," lists "Harwilly" before cataloging a dozen other friends. It's laudable enough that Murder Dog gives area rappers so much ink, but for saving a turn in the spotlight for even unwitting friends of letter writers, the zine's staff (and, in turn, all their friends and family) deserves special recognition.